Duffel bags: what's the best available for <$300

[portlor80]

I've read some of the threads regarding duffel bags, but most of them focus on bags well over my price point.

Can anyone recommend something for under $300, canvas with leather highlights, medium size (around 20 inches length so plenty small for a carryon), and as "classy" in styling as you can get (so no bright colors, big zippers, etc)

 

[motosacto]

Filson medium duffel -- $295.

LL Bean vacation bag (all leather) -- $275.

LL Bean medium zipper duffel -- $150.

Duluth Trading Company AWOL bags -- (leather $225, firehose/leather $170).

Duluth Trading Company Firehose/Leather Jammer Duffel -- $130.

The more expensive ones are nicer (better zippers, better leather, etc.). I flew with a Filson bag for ~100,000 miles last year -- it still looks great. Some of the duffels are ~25" rather than 21" or so, but they'll work fine for carry-on if you don't stuff them too full. Of the items above, I think the LL Bean duffel is probably the best value--decent zipper, ok construction, and 1/2 the price of the (better) Filson.